Wedding Trends That Are In and Out for 2021 and 2022

As we move into the second half of 2021 (Where did the last six months go?!), we wanted to wrap up what will be in and out for weddings for the rest of the year and into 2022. Here are our top picks for wedding trends in 2021 and 2022 to keep and eye out for and those you can skip.

What’s In –

DIY is Back

While our couples have always had a hand in DIY projects, we will see more and more couples take their hand at projects. The possibilities are endless, from arranging your own bouquets and centerpieces to creating a triangle wedding arch as a ceremony backdrop. However, we do suggest making sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the projects without the stress by mapping them out as a part of your wedding prep. Also, ask your friends and family if they would be willing to lend a helping hand to cultivate a bonding experience.

Keep Guests Entertained

Entertain your guest with more than just a dance floor. Consider a tarot card reader, musical performance like a second line, ballet dancers, or a comedian. If you have a low-key outdoor wedding add outdoor games like corn hole, giant Jenga, or wow the guests with an aerialist.

Mellow Yellow

Pantone always drives the trends when it comes to color, and this year, they selected two, and we are seeing one of them take off, Illuminating! This yellow hue is popping up in home décor fashion and has made its way to the wedding world. We think it will extend well into 2022 and will begin to branch out into other tones like soft buttery yellow and deep ochre tones. With the shift in hues, this color can truly be used for any season. If you are looking for some flowers that will fit in with your yellow theme, sunflowers, calla lilies, ranunculus, carnations, and daisies.

Intimate Weddings with Big Personality

If couples wanted to tie the knot in 2020, they were forced to create a smaller guest list, and we are seeing this become a true trend versus necessity. I think we can all agree that the last year has really taught us what and who is important in our lives, and we are seeing couples take that to their wedding planning as well. Gone are the days of inviting your dad’s former co-worker or a family member twice removed, curated guest list with 20-75 guests are becoming the norm.

With that being said, we still see wedding trends in 2021 and 2022 with lavish celebrations where the budget is only slightly lowered, and the line items that the couple truly cares about are getting a boost. For instance, a plated dinner with multiple courses can be achieved logistically with a smaller guest count, whereas before, stations might have been the only option. We also see the budget being extended into multiple days with a post-wedding brunch, welcome party, or even a group bonding experience before the big day.

Floral Bars

Guests always love to belly up to the bar during cocktail hour, but why not have them belly up to a ‘flower’ bar! This interactive activity will keep your guests occupied as you sneak away to take photos. Set up a small table with flowers, floral wire, floral tape, scissors, wire cutters, and a sign inviting them to create a small bouquet or floral crown. When it comes to which flowers to include, we suggest sticking to three to four varieties and one type of greenery. Some of our favorites to use are eucalyptus, spray roses, carnations, and baby’s breath.

What’s Out –

Wedding Favors

While the start of favors was to show your guests that you enjoyed having them, more and more of them are being thrown away or left behind each year. These items can be costly, and no one wants to see them go to waste, so we are seeing them quickly being done away with. If you still want to let your guests know you are thinking of them, you can still do so in new ways. Welcome baskets or a hospitality suite in the hotel with your room block are a wonderful way to care for your guests with items they need like water, soda, snacks, medications, etc.

Buffets

Self-serve food will continue to be out still as we move into the rest of 2021 into 2022. While initially, the style of service was not used due to the pandemic, we will still see this be the case. If you are looking to offer various foods and a plated or family-style meal isn’t something you are looking for, stations staffed with servers can have an elevated feel.

Pastels

While we still love the look of pastel, we are really enjoying a move towards rich color palettes! If you still love a pastel hue like blush, you can pump it up by integrating deeper tones like burgundy, deep greens, and orange.

When it comes to wedding trends in 2021 and 2022, we truly think that you as a couple should decide what feels right for you and your partner, so take these tips and implement them (or not) in a way that feels authentic to you!